Featured
Reimagine festive season in oasis of wellness at The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort

Nestled on a beautiful coral island of the Baa Atoll, a designated UNESCO Biosphere Reserve site, guests of The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort can experience a tranquil wellness scape with uninterrupted ocean and pristine turquoise lagoon views.
The idyllic setting for romance, family hideouts, gastronomy and well-being, the contemporary resort invites guests to trade a white Christmas for the soft-sand beaches and beautiful palm trees, and immerse themselves in the spirit of the holiday season with completely private, standalone spacious villas offering discreet and personalised service, allowing one to hide away and relax as 2021 draws to a close.
The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort is offering guests a balance of activities that you can dip in and out of as you wish, making the resort an ideal choice to enjoy a warm holiday with spirited programs and festive dining that adds immersive Maldivian flavour to classic holiday traditions that are sure to delight travellers of all ages.

The culinary team has curated an epicurean journey through their dining venues to entertain the discerning palates from gala dinners, beach barbecue, sunset cocktails to oriental delights beckon participation. And most importantly, their wellness team are on hand to help balance the indulgence and bring the year to a calm and centred conclusion.
Welcoming guests to the resort, General Manager Brendan Corcoran said, “The Festive Season means different things to different people. It is a time of connection, celebration, reflection, reminiscence and anticipation. Whatever maybe your wish for your stay we are delighted that you have chosen to visit Maldives at this time of the year, and we at The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort are here to help our guests tailor their stay to their individual needs and make it memorable.”
The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort is a haven of wellness and relaxation where guests leave feeling rejuvenated and refreshed and their festive program stays true to the Westin brand’s Six Pillars of Well-Being: Feel Well, Work Well, Move Well, Eat Well, Sleep Well and Play Well.
Gastro delights: Eat well
The three restaurants and elevated bar guarantee memorable culinary experiences in breathtakingly beautiful surroundings. Cuisines range from the refined Japanese menu with a seafood focus at The Pearl to healthy, international dishes and all-day dining at Island Kitchen.
Colourful bar and restaurant Hawker presents authentic Asian street food in a vibrant market-place setting while for those who want to relax while tapas and ocean views at Sunset Bar provide a perfect end to the day.
From cooking classes to happy hours; cocktails and canapes or pool parties; hot pots or specially curated five-course dinner or themed nights to wine dinners.
There’s plenty in store for the culinary enthusiasts at The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort this festive season to leave them spoilt for choice!
Wellness, relaxation: Feel, move well
Maintaining the exercise routines can be challenging during travel.
The resort has lined up various fitness activities to ensure you clock your workout hours at the best possible location to do so – with the sounds of waves as the soothing background score.
From Run Westin to Fast Burn Fit CrossFit workouts and Circuit Training, there are activities that would get your blood pumping and then there’s Sunrise Yoga, Vedic Yoga, Shoulder Massages and Breathwork sessions to ease you down.
Adventures for all: Play well
From an exciting introduction to the world of scuba diving to a wonderful opportunity to explore a healthy reef with an amazing variety of marine life the resort has a lot in store for the ones who’d like to dive in or stay afloat.
For the playful ones, they offer an exciting unforgettable ride on inflatable sofas and for the thrill seekers there’s the adrenaline-packed jet ski ride, smashing through the waves and traveling around the local islands.

End the year on the right note by spending time snorkelling with turtles, chasing dolphins or experiencing the magical views from the skies while parasailing.
For those traveling with family, each day promises a new adventure at the Westin Family Kids Club, where the kids can explore and discover a new game or activity, talent or fun fact about the marine life.
From painting sessions to pool fun, island hunt to pizza making, shell art to kids yoga, it’s an extensive range of activities. There’s also plenty festive themed activities like Christmas tree, Christmas mask and snowflake making, Christmas puppet shows and of course the surprises with Santa.
The resort also has movie nights planned for the kids as well as coral and sand art activities.
Awards
Lily Beach Resort & Spa wins Leading F&B Resort at South Asian Travel Awards 2025

Lily Beach Resort & Spa has been recognised as the Leading F&B Resort at the South Asian Travel Awards 2025, held in Colombo. The accolade reinforces the resort’s position as a destination where culinary excellence is at the heart of every guest experience.
Central to the resort’s success is its renowned Platinum All-Inclusive Plan, a comprehensive concept that offers guests access to a range of premium experiences. The plan includes à la carte dining across several speciality restaurants, unlimited premium wines and spirits, French Champagne such as Taittinger, themed buffets, private dining experiences, and selected excursions. Designed to elevate each stay, it allows guests to indulge fully without additional charges.
Lily Beach offers an array of distinctive restaurants and bars:
- Lily Maa, the main restaurant, features extensive buffets and live cooking stations.
- Tamarind presents refined Indian-Thai fusion cuisine in an elegant overwater setting.
- AQVA serves light fare and cocktails in a relaxed beachfront atmosphere.
- Teppanyaki delivers interactive Japanese dining, combining artistry and theatre.
- Les Turquoise d’Aqua provides a fine dining experience under the stars.
- The Spirit Bar, set beside the ocean, offers a tranquil space for sundowners and late-night drinks.
- Vibes combines a family-friendly pool, games area, and evening entertainment.
The resort’s culinary achievements have earned it continued recognition. In 2024, Lily Beach received the Wine Spectator Award for its exceptional wine cellar and sommelier programme, further affirming its place among the world’s leading resort dining destinations.
General Manager Laurent Driole expressed pride in the achievement, noting: “This award is a tribute to the vision, dedication, and artistry of our F&B team. Every menu, drink, and moment is crafted to delight, and to offer our guests a culinary journey as exceptional as the Maldives itself.”
The award for Leading Food & Beverage Resort is seen as a reflection of the passion and commitment of Lily Beach’s entire culinary team. Under the leadership of Executive Chef Alessio Biondi and F&B Director Adam Shareef, dishes are prepared using the finest ingredients sourced globally, ensuring guests enjoy the highest standards of quality. Their commitment to creativity and innovation means that every visit offers something new—both for first-time guests and returning visitors.
Equally vital to this success are the service teams who bring warmth and personality to each dining experience. Their genuine care and hospitality create a relaxed, homely atmosphere that embodies the essence of Lily Beach—a place where guests feel welcomed as part of a community.
With this latest recognition, Lily Beach continues to define the all-inclusive luxury segment in the Maldives, combining world-class gastronomy, seamless inclusions, and authentic Maldivian hospitality to deliver experiences that remain both refined and heartfelt.
Featured
Experience timeless Maldivian elegance at Machchafushi Island Resort & Spa

Machchafushi, meaning ‘Fish Island’ in Dhivehi, encapsulates the essence of this serene retreat in South Ari Atoll. As part of The Centara Collection, Machchafushi Island Resort & Spa embodies the true spirit of the Maldives, offering guests an intimate connection with the ocean, marine life, and the island’s cultural heritage.
Situated within the South Ari Marine Protected Area (SAMPA), a UNESCO-recognised site, Machchafushi provides year-round access to remarkable marine experiences, vibrant coral ecosystems, and unforgettable underwater explorations, including the famous Kudhimaa shipwreck. Once a secluded, uninhabited island, Machchafushi holds a special place in the cultural landscape of the Maldives. Today, as part of this protected marine reserve, it continues to remain authentic, sustainable, and deeply rooted in its natural surroundings.
Marine life is at the heart of the Machchafushi experience. The island offers some of the world’s highest whale shark resighting rates, with encounters available throughout the year. Guests may also encounter graceful manta rays and a colourful abundance of tropical fish drifting through crystalline waters. Encircled by a renowned house reef—stretching nearly five times the island’s size—the area is home to over 1,000 species of fish and 200 varieties of coral, creating an underwater paradise.
South Ari Atoll is celebrated as one of the Maldives’ finest diving regions, featuring over fifty dive sites teeming with marine life. Kudarah Thila presents a UNESCO-protected labyrinth of overhangs and swim-throughs populated by fusiliers and snappers, while Broken Rock captivates divers with its dramatic canyon of corals and macro life, ideal for underwater photography. Dhigurah Beyru and Maamigili Corner are noted for encounters with whale sharks, manta rays, and occasionally dolphins. The 52-metre Kudhimaa Wreck has evolved into a thriving coral habitat, now home to lionfish, batfish, groupers, and the well-camouflaged stonefish and frogfish. Nearby, Anemone Alley flourishes beneath the seasonal seaplane platform, forming a vibrant ecosystem that draws snorkellers and divers alike. The house reef remains the beating heart of Machchafushi—a world-class natural wonder beneath the waves.
Beyond the ocean, the island tells a story of its own. At its centre stands a centuries-old Banyan Tree, known locally as the Ummeedhu Tree, or ‘Wish Fulfilment’. This living symbol invites guests to pause and reflect, taking part in the Sacred Thread Ceremony, where wishes and intentions are tied to the tree’s branches—creating a bond that endures long after their stay.
Sustainability is woven into every aspect of Machchafushi’s philosophy, ensuring the preservation of both its natural beauty and cultural legacy. Every sunrise, dive, and golden thread tied to the Ummeedhu Tree becomes part of a continuing narrative—one that celebrates the Maldives’ heritage and invites guests to create lasting memories in harmony with nature.
Entertainment
Spooky celebrations await at Sun Siyam Olhuveli with ‘The Return of the Mummy’

Sun Siyam Olhuveli will transform into a realm of ancient legends and eerie excitement this Halloween with its themed celebration, The Return of the Mummy. Guests of all ages will have the opportunity to take part in two days of themed activities, family games, and live entertainment throughout the resort.
The highlight of the celebration will be a beachfront performance by Swedish DJ and rising international talent Caroline Roxy. A multifaceted artist—DJ, singer-songwriter, producer, fashion designer, and former model—Caroline is known for fusing energetic electronic beats with pop-inspired rhythms. Drawing on her musical upbringing and experience performing at festivals in cities such as Stockholm and Los Angeles, she is set to deliver an electrifying performance that promises to bring a captivating energy to the shores of Sun Siyam Olhuveli.

The festivities will begin on 31 October 2025 with a Halloween Beach Fest, featuring mummy-themed games, pumpkin carving, trick-or-treat adventures, and the popular Mummy Dance Freeze for younger guests. As night falls, the Lagoon Bar will become the centre of the celebration, with flickering lights, pulsing music, and a much-anticipated DJ set by Caroline Roxy. Her performance will combine haunting melodies with powerful electronic rhythms, setting the tone for an unforgettable Halloween evening.
Celebrations will continue on 1 November 2025 with treasure hunts, themed cupcake and marshmallow workshops for children, and a sunset pirate cruise. Adults can take part in a Halloween boot camp before the evening concludes with a fire show and live music by Hightides at the Lagoon Bar.
Blending ancient Egyptian mystery with island charm, The Return of the Mummy at Sun Siyam Olhuveli invites guests to experience a unique Halloween adventure where the legends of the past meet the magic of the Maldives.
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